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Trees

Most trees in Ku-ring-gai are protected to ensure Ku-ring-gai's tree and vegetation resources are managed sustainably and to maintain Ku-ring-gai's leafy character. Our Development Control Plans specify the guidelines for protecting trees and vegetation including when council permission is required for pruning or removing a tree.

Removing or pruning trees on private property

If you’d like to prune or remove a tree on private property, check the guidelines in the following documents first:

10/50 vegetation clearing

The 10/50 vegetation clearing rule and Code of Practice has been developed by the NSW Rural Fire Service to permit landowners in certain areas to undertake vegetation clearing on their own land around residential accommodation and high risk facilities to reduce the risk of bush fire. Within these areas, the new laws override our tree protection guidelines (subject to compliance with the 10/50 Code of Practice).

Trees in areas under development

To protect significant trees in areas under construction or development, we may establish a Tree Protection Zone. Usually fencing is placed around the trees and remains in place until work has finished.

Without these zones, the health and stability of trees could suffer from damage due to construction-related work, such as excavation or movement of heavy machinery.